French-Ivorian prodigy Désiré Doué wins 2025 Golden Boy award
Paris Saint-Germain’s rising star Désiré Doué has been crowned the 2025 Golden Boy, edging out Real Madrid’s Dean Huijsen and Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsí to claim Europe’s most prestigious youth honour.
The 20-year-old forward succeeds Spain’s Lamine Yamal, who won the award last year.
Born in Angers to an Ivorian father, Doué’s emergence represents another triumph for France’s rich multicultural football landscape.
His dazzling performances and decisive goals during PSG’s Champions League-winning run under Luis Enrique have firmly established him among Europe’s brightest young talents.
The Golden Boy award, presented annually by Italian newspaper Tuttosport, recognises the best player aged 21 or under competing in a European top-flight league.
While Yamal would have been a strong favourite, rules prevent back-to-back winners, paving the way for Doué’s deserved recognition.
Unlike the Barcelona prodigy, Doué’s rise came through resilience.
He began the 2024–25 campaign on the fringes of PSG’s squad, behind Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola in the pecking order. But once given a chance, he transformed the team’s fortunes in Europe.
Doué delivered defining performances in PSG’s run to the Champions League title, scoring twice in their emphatic 5–0 final victory over Inter Milan.
Reflecting on his breakthrough, he said: “I have no words, incredible for me. I have no words.”
His first major turning point came in the group stages when he came off the bench to score against RB Salzburg, igniting a run that made him indispensable for Enrique’s side.
PSG’s leadership also earned plaudits at the ceremony. Sporting director Luis Campos and club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi were both honoured for steering the club away from the so-called “bling-bling” era and toward a new identity built on youth, teamwork, and discipline.
The event also celebrated achievements beyond PSG.
England’s Leah Williamson and Michelle Agyemang were recognised for their contributions to the Lionesses’ European Championship triumph, while the late Liverpool forward Diogo Jota was posthumously honoured for his impact on the game.
